Plenty of people who spoke at the meeting agreed, as did Merrigan, who compared horse-race spectators to the football fans who frequent his establishment. “The use is very similar in function to entertainment uses you’d find in restaurant or bars,” said Planning Commissioner Nesa Anderson. To host entertainment events, San Clemente businesses, depending on their locations, must apply for conditional use permits. El Camino Real, now must apply for a conditional use permit to move forward with owner Michael Merrigan’s attempt to become the first bar or restaurant in California to offer off-track betting. OC Tavern, a bar, restaurant and concert venue at 2369 S. The Planning Commission unanimously decided the city does not need to amend the zoning code to allow such wagering at restaurants and bars. A San Clemente bar jumped a hurdle Wednesday night in its effort to offer off-track horse-race betting.
